“We need to bring our people together so they can unite and heal the wounds," said Mr Machar after his arrival.

In December 2013, Mr Machar fled Juba under cover of darkness, accused of trying to overthrow Salva Kiir, the president. He spent the next two years and five months in the bush as a rebel leader.

But he returned on Tuesday – with his safety guaranteed by President Kiir’s government – to be sworn back into office in his previous role as vice-president.

After the ceremony, Mr Kiir promised to include other former rebels in a “transitional government of national unity," in line with the peace agreement. "I ask you to join me and my brother Riek Machar in peace and reconciliation,” added Mr Kiir.

Riek Machar, South Sudan's rebel leader (R), and Salva Kiir, the country's president (L), shown side-by-side in a poster on display in the capital, JubaCredit:
AFP

Whether the war is truly over remains doubtful. Mr Machar’s return was delayed by a dispute over the number of personal security staff, troops and weapons he could bring back to Juba. At present, Mr Machar has about 1,500 troops in the capital, compared to around double the number of government soldiers.

Even if the president and his deputy can work together, they may be unable to control the ethnic militias still fighting across a vast country. "We need the guns to stay silent and give people time - both as official warring parties and as individuals - with one another in coming days," said Casie Copeland from the International Crisis Group.